Gowrie

Anon. (1604)


Historical Records

Letter; John Chamberlain?


Theatrical Provenance

King's players


Probable Genre(s)

<List possible genres of the play: if noted by a critic, cite them, e.g. "Comedy (Harbage)". If an original speculation, simply list the genre.>


Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues

(under construction)


References to the Play

Information welcome.


Critical Commentary

(under construction)


For What It's Worth

The great oddity about this play is that the King's players put it on during their first year as servants of King James, yet it is rumored to have upset enough nobles enough to risk being taken down. Why put it up if it was a risk?


Works Cited

Cowan, Samuel. The Gowrie Conspiracy and its Official Narrative. London: Sampson Lowe, Marston & Co., Ltd., 1902.
— — —. The Ruthven Family Papers. London: Simpkin, Markshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd., 1912.
Davies, J. D. Blood of Kings: The Stuarts, the Ruthvens and the 'Gowrie Conspiracy'. Hersham, Surrey: Ian Allan, 2010.
Holyday, Barten. A Sermon Preached at Pauls Crosse, August the 5. 1623. London, 1626.
Lang, Andrew. James VI and the Gowrie Mystery. New York: Longmans, 1902.


Site created and maintained by Roslyn L. Knutson, Professor Emerita, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; updated 18 February 2012.